September
2002: The VP-2 Association formed a Memorial Committee to design
and create a suitable Memorial to all who served in patrol squadrons
home-based at NAS Whidbey Island, WA.

Summer 2003: After several Memorial designs
were considered and various possible sites were investigated, the
Memorial Committee reported its recommendations to the VP-2
Association. The original design, which the VP-2 Association
wholeheartedly endorsed, contained three statues, including an airman
in flight gear, a young woman seated on one of the granite benches and
a young child standing beside her. After exhaustive
deliberations, it was felt that the three-statue design would be too
costly, and the design was scaled back to the one airman statue.

Fall 2003: The Memorial Committee petitioned
the Oak Harbor city council for permission to locate the Memorial in
Veterans Memorial Park in Oak Harbor. In the meantime,
fund-raising was begun within the VP-2 Association only.

September 2004: The Oak Harbor city council
enthusiastically approved the design and site for the Whidbey Patrol
Squadron Memorial (WPSM). These results were reported at the VP-2
reunion in San Antonio later in September. With Oak Harbor city
approval in hand, planning began for wide-spread fund-raising campaigns
outside of the VP-2 Association to include individuals, civic
organizations, veterans groups, local Oak Harbor businesses and the
defense industry.

September 2005: A contract was signed for the
design and construction of the bronze airman statue. Noted
sculptor, Michael Maiden, developed a model of the statue for approval.

December 2005: The design for the airman
statue was approved and work began on a full size clay model from which
the bronze statue would be created. A contract was signed
for procurement and etching of the three-paneled granite wall and
granite benches.

Spring 2006: A contract will be let for the
procurement and inscribing of bricks to surround the patio floor of the
Memorial. Construction will begin on the footings and foundations
for the Memorial patio.

Summer 2006: The patio floor, bronze statue
and granite walls and benches will be installed by a local Oak Harbor
contractor.

September 14, 2006: The date has been set for
the dedication and turnover of the Memorial to the city of Oak
Harbor. Ceremonies will begin at 10:00 AM in Veterans Memorial
Park. This date coincides with the VP-2 reunion planned for that
timeframe. It is anticipated that Navy officials, local
politicians and visiting dignitaries will attend the ceremony in
addition to a large number of former members of VP-2 and other
squadrons. The public is invited to attend the dedication
ceremony.

[nvsoar 23Jan2006]

The
Whidbey Patrol Squadron
Memorial is sponsored by the Patrol Squadron Two
Association